Branson, Missouri

Christmas looked much different this year. Colby and I switch off every holiday, meaning one year we are with my family for Thanksgiving and then his for Christmas and visa versa the next year.

This year, it was our turn to spend Christmas with Colby’s parents, but his father passed away in April. So instead of going to Kansas, where Colby is from, we decided to travel. Colby and his mom decided on Branson, Missouri. Being that I grew up in Tulsa, I had been to Branson before, but it had been at least 20+ years since either of us had gone.

This was also both Colby and I’s first time to go on a Christmas vacation, meaning that we were away from either of our parents houses. It looked much different than ever before, but we were so grateful for the opportunity to travel with his mom. We stayed at Big Cedar Lodge, which was a really nice lodge about 20 minutes outside of Branson.

Colby found an airline, Southern Airways Express that had super cheap tickets. There was a catch though; it was on a 8-passenger plane, with no bathroom. Those were for sure the cons. The pros? No TSA lines, no having to arrive an hour befor the flight and no parking fees. Colby and his mom had no problem with the plane, I however, did not like it one bit. The way there was a bumpy ride due to storms, but the way back was much better. We had great views and a smoother ride, but I was glad to be back on the ground. Apparently I don’t like small planes.

We left last Friday and after flying into Arkansas, we stopped for dinner and went to check-in to our condo.

Saturday we went on a walk, grabbed lunch, wandered around the lodge and checked out all the facilities including the shops and the adventure center. That night we went to our 1st show and drove through a Christmas light display.

Sunday we ate lunch at the lodge and went to our 2nd show. There was an ice rink right outside of our room, so we went out there for a few minutes while they were having a party, but we didn’t last long in the cold! That night we had a really nice Christmas Eve dinner at the Top of the Rock. A lot of people recommended the Top of the Rock and it was a really nice area, I just wish we could have seen it during the day light too.

Monday was Christmas! We woke up and went to the gym, followed by a Christmas lunch at the lodge and our 3rd show. That night we took it easy and went to the restaurant next to our cabin to grab dinner.

So I am not the best at the trip recaps, but overall it was a great trip. I read a 500+ page book, which I never make time to do, so that might have been one of the highlights too. If you have questions, I would be happy to answer. I am curious, have you ever been to the Branson area? Have you ever traveled for Christmas?

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I didn’t start sharing our traveling adventures on the blog until the end of 2013, but you can see some of our vacations below as well as how to travel on a budget here.

I’m so glad it was a nice trip because I can imagine,how hard it was with the loss of your FIL.
That plane,right though?,I’m nauseated thinking about it.,Ugghhh.
& yoi all in matching,red,flannel look adorable!!!

Amanda

Okay, so what do you do if you have an EMERGENCY and you really need to go to the bathroom????
We loved Branson when we went. Glad you were able to go! I bet getting away helped a bit, but I know this season was hard for you.. Hopefully it was peaceful as well 🙂